Against 299 other 4-cyl cars rated 1987–1989, the DL sits right on their 23.8 mpg average.
Every Subaru DL engine, compared
The Subaru DL was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 22 / 28.4 | 1985–1989 | $1,561 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1989) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1987–1989 | +$57 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,540 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1989 Subaru DL gives up 5 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 21 in the city, $352 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1989) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (24%) | Typical for its type |
How the DL changed over the years
The DL peaked in 1988 at 25 mpg (22 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1989 at 23 — 2 mpg apart, or $134 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1989 car does 23. The 1989 model loses 2 mpg against 25 for the 1988.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1988 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1987 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1986 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1985 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Subaru DL — 1 engine across 1985–1989. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,540. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1989 Subaru DL get?
23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the DL has averaged 24.6 mpg.
Is the 1989 DL more efficient than the 1988?
No: 23 against 25 mpg combined, about $134 a year more to run.
Which DL year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 25 mpg combined (22 city, 29 highway).
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